So September

I've noticed a distinct air of excited anticipation in Blogland about the onset of a new season.  Me?  I'm hanging on to what's left of summer with an iron grip.

Grim-faced weather forecasters starting their bulletins with "it's all set to change" are either switched off or met with fingers in ears, "laa laa laa, not listening".

I love the light and warmth of summer.  I love having the doors and windows flung wide open, bringing the outside in.  I love the sounds, the colours, the long days and drawn-out alfresco meals.  I'm not ready for it all to change just yet.

So, I shall continue exposing my not-as-taut-as-they-were limbs in pretty dresses and wearing flip flops for a little while longer!  So there!!!  Oh yes, I can be a stubborn sod at times.

That said, it's pretty much been a week of settling back into the old routine.

Blondie Daughter has enjoyed her first full week in Year 7.  It's her second year at high school (the children start at the age of 10 here, a year earlier than most) and she and her friends sashay up the path to school with an air of confidence far removed from the wide-eyed terror of a year ago.

Blondie Son, now in Year 10, has moved up to senior school and embarks on the two year journey to GCSEs.  I have to keep pinching myself.  Is it really ten whole years since his very first day?  He towers above me now and, when we hug, his arms have to go on top.

I've been sprucing up the house and garden this week.  Doing lots of those little jobs that have been sidetracked for the last six weeks or so.

Sassybelle Blooms, I've finally hung up your beautiful string of happy (forgive the less-than-beautiful photo) - it's above the doors in the lounge and, each time I see it, I think of you.

I do so love my brooch too.  Thank you xx

I had just the loveliest day on Wednesday.  I met up with one of my first bloggy friends, Lynda.  While still being on Instagram, Lynda is taking a break from her blog, Hookin With LaaLaa, and concentrating on her new needlework kit and chart design business.

These are two of my favourite designs of hers, aren't they stunning?

So, with knocking knees and a fluttery tummy, I caught the train to Birmingham.  Funnily enough, Annie recently posted about meeting up with online friends - it seems to render the most self confident of us, gibbering heaps.  Why is that I wonder?  All my nerves completely disappeared the minute I saw Lynda though and we spent a wonderful few hours gossiping, shopping and gossiping.  She's a minx though.  She positively forced me to buy a new Cath Kidston skirt.  (Do you hear me D?  FORCED me she did!!!)

To the lady who wrote the very disparaging feedback on the CK website about this skirt being more suitable for a 10 year old than a grown woman, I know a certain 11 year old girl who wouldn't be seen dead in it and a 41 year old woman who bloody loves it.  Different strokes for different folks eh and thank goodness for that.

Before I sign off, are you going to Yarndale?  I am!  I'm going with two gorgeous online friends (Cuckoo and Emily) who I've known for a while but never met in person (you see how I'm all au fait about this meeting up business now?!) and I'm suuuuper excited!  Do come and say "hi" if you see us.  I'll be the one with the mushroom skirt and flip flops!!!

xxx

PS.  Beautiful wildflower posy at the beginning of this post was from a charity stall at a local fayre.  Best £2.00 I've spent in a long time.